“Last time, yes. She didn't ring me up this time," the voice drawled with contempt. “That is why her plan to finish you off seemed so bland."

At this revelation, Raegan's mind whirled, unable to fathom Katie's deep-seated grudge against her, considering their limited exchanges back then.

Katie had seemed innocuous in Raegan's presence, always a benign presence, yet all the while, she was orchestrating Raegan's ruin from the shadows.

“Are you affiliated with the Maxwell family?" Raegan pressed.

“Curiosity can be dangerous." The voice oozed smugness as it continued, “Enjoy your final thirty minutes."

The call ended sharply, and Raegan's gaze fixed on the dashboard where a timer ominously began its countdown.

With each tick, her dread mounted.

Torn over whether the threat was real, Raegan hesitated to test its truth.

Suddenly, there was a loud "thud."

Lauren had shattered one of the windows, peppering Raegan with glass fragments.

One sliver struck Raegan's neck, sending a sharp pang through her.

Grasping the steering wheel, Raegan struggled to maintain her composure as Lauren pounded on the sunroof, desperate to get in.

With limited moves left, Raegan held the wheel firm and pressed on.

Suddenly, Lauren breached the window, her torso surging into the car.

Her hand latched onto Raegan's hair as she yelled, "Nowhere to run, huh?"

The sudden yank sent Raegan reeling, and an urgent alarm blared through the cabin.

“Lauren, let go. There's a bomb in the car!" Raegan cried out.

Lauren hesitated, suspicion etched on her face, but her grip didn't wane. “You're playing me again!"

Raegan, drenched in perspiration across her neck and brow, insisted, “It's the truth."

Struggling for her life, Raegan couldn't help but feel ensnared by a relentless destiny. Fatigue and desperation took hold. What was her next move? The faces of Janey and the others surfaced in her mind.